Book jackets have been enticing potential readers for nearly 200 years with copy that amuses and intrigues. Here, a veteran blurb writer reveals their secrets and the history of the craft
The chances are that you have read more blurbs on books than actual books. Perhaps you have even glanced at one I wrote: I’ve been a copywriter in publishing for 25 years, crafting those miniature stories that aim to distil a book’s magic and connect with readers. Part compression, part come-on, blurbs can also, as I found when I wrote a book about them, open up a world of literary history and wordy joy. Here are some things I discovered.
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